Hensiek garners officiating award after nearly 40 years of service

Hensiek officiated high school, junior high school, senior B, seventh- and eighth-grade games in the south central, southeast and eastern portion of the state for 39 years.

Bill Shrum

August "Gus" Hensiek, a lifelong resident of Stuttgart, was awarded a plaque, a medallion and a ring for his 39 years of service by the Arkansas Officials Association during the group’s banquet Friday, July 12, at the convention center in Hot Springs.

Hensiek officiated high school, junior high school, senior B, seventh- and eighth-grade games in the south central, southeast and eastern portion of the state for 39 years.

"I couldn't have done it without the support of my wife, Barbara," Hensiek said. "She gave up her Thursday and Friday nights for me to be as far away as Lake Village to the south and Corning to the north."

During those 39 years, Hensiek officiated approximately 800 games and traveled extensively in the south central, southeast and eastern portion of the state primarily.

"I served two terms as representative for District 6," Hensiek said. "In 1995, I was selected to officiate the high school all-star (football) game."

Hensiek, who began officiating football in 1970 and retired in 2008, is a member of the Yoder Ruritan Club, where he has served as president, vice president, secretary and is on the Board of Directors.

Hensiek is very active in Emanuel Lutheran Church, where he has served as president, vice president, financial secretary and trustee, as well as serving on many committees through the years.

Hensiek retired from Riceland Foods Inc. after working there for 36 years, where he worked as an inventory clerk, supervisor of Inventory Control and manager of the Commodity Operations Office in Stuttgart. Hensiek also served in the Arkansas Army National Guard for eight years.

Hensiek and his wife of 54 years, Barbara, enjoy attending University of Arkansas Razorback sporting events.